Introducing Tafika!
Tafika was born in November 2008 and was rescued by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in August 2009
The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSFW) is delighted to formally introduce ‘Tafika’ to the Silversurfers family, one of the few lucky survivors of the poaching epidemic sweeping across Africa. DSWF works hard on the ground, and in the international arena to fight for the survival of this iconic mammal and help protect the last remaining wild elephants left roaming our planet.
We are delighted to announce that in partnership with Silversurfers we will be bringing you monthly instalments to the ‘Tafika’ story and updates on his rehabilitation and journey back to the wild.
Tafika
Tafika
At the fragile age of 9 months old, a tiny elephant was found all alone in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. He was later named Tafika. His herd had entered a village in the area, most likely in search of tasty crops, but their presence was not well received by the villagers and they were chased away. During the chaos, Tafika fell into a pit latrine and became separated from the rest of his herd as they ran to safety. As the commotion dwindled, Tafika found himself lost and lonely in an unfamiliar place. His herd never returned out of fear of being harmed by the villagers, and Tafika was forced to embark upon a brand new chapter
of his young life. Newly orphaned and without the comfort of his mother, Tafika was in desperate need of help.
He was taken to the DSWF founded and supported Game Rangers International Elephant Orphanage Project (GRI EOP) in Kafue National Park where he received round-the-clock care. At such a young age, Tafika was still yearning for his mother’s milk, from which he had been cruelly parted, so the EOP team gave him a special milk formula to ensure he was receiving the nutrients he so urgently needed, whilst offering him that extra comfort. Tafika improved with every day that passed by; the fragile orphan that was discovered, frightened and vulnerable, had transformed into a healthy, confident elephant.
Tafika on the left, greeting Batoka
Today, Tafika is a strong member of the herd of 12 at the Kafue Release Facility. At 8 years old, he is the third oldest of the release herd and is very much respected by the other elephants within the herd. He has a high social rank which is often challenged by 9-year-old male, Batoka, with frequent sparring sessions, which are fairly gentle most of the time! Now an independent young bull, Tafika is gaining more leadership qualities, teaching the younger males of the herd how to thrive in the wonderful wilderness of Kafue National Park, which he will one day inhabit as a post-release orphan, away from the protective boma at the facility.
Tafika has come a long way over the past 8 years, and he has a very exciting future ahead of him. Thanks to GRI EOP, with critical support from DSWF he was given a second chance at life; a life which he enjoys every day with his surrogate elephant family.
We look forward to sharing more of his story, habits and personality with you in the coming months! If you are interested in learning more about this iconic species or the other animals that we work so hard to protect please visit our website
CLICK HERE TO VISIT DAVID SHEPHERD WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
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